The Mississippi House of Representatives has passed an $88 million bond bill that includes $10 million designated for the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Center.

State Rep. Greg Snowden said House Bill 1720 still faces consideration by the Senate.

A delegation from Meridian has lobbied this week for state support.

Mayor John Robert Smith of Meridian said the center will get Mississippi worldwide recognition.

"Overseas, they sing our music. They read our authors. They watch our movies and they perform our plays, all by Mississippians," said Smith.

The MAEC is slated to be built at Meridian's Bonita Lakes Park. Some funding has been pledged, but much more is needed.